Direction needed...

[FatherofPhysics]

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Hello all!

I have read past threads and cannot seem to find the direction I need to take.

My GPA is not great at all, 2.93, but I played football for every year attended and had to work as well. I also underwent 3 surgeries over 3 years while in college and I had to retake a few classes due to falling behind. Excuses out of the way, I have matured greatly but I just hope its not "too little too late." I have worked as an Emergency room Scribe for over a year and I took the MCAT recently and I am awaiting my score.

I was wondering what my options are as to how I should go about raising my GPA. Should I go back and get another degree? Could I perhaps get into an SMP or post-bacc program with my credentials? I have numerous physicians that I have worked with who either have or will give me letters of recommendation.

Thanks

 

[ridethecliche]

SMP is probably your only option for MD/DO schools. MD would be unlikely since you're not going to get over a 3.2/3.3 even after you finish an SMP.

 

[LMBLBM]

You should definitely do post-bacc program to raise your GPA up.

 

[lmn]

Retake classes to raise your gpa for DO schools using grade replacements then apply DO.

 

[Lawpy]

Strong username to thread title ratio.

Since your GPA is below a 3, an SMP is needed. Or you can always retake any grade below a C and apply DO

 

[FatherofPhysics]

I think I am going to apply to the SMP program at the University of North Texas.

 

[Catalystik]

Do you fulfill this GPA requirement:

Specific grade point average (GPA) requirements for both non-degree and degree-seeking students follow. The GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of semester hours attempted. The applicant must have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 undergraduate semester hours of course work before receiving the bachelor's degree, or on all undergraduate work, in order to receive unconditional admission to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Applicants who have already completed a master's degree must have at least a 3.0 GPA on the master's or meet the undergraduate GPA standards listed above in order to be admitted unconditionally. Non-degree seeking students will be allowed to take a maximum of 12 semester credit hours.

From: http://www.hsc.unt.edu/catalog/2013-2014/45-Admissions.htm

If not, you will need to complete some postbacc work before applying.

 

[FatherofPhysics]

Would that be worth it? I would have to take 40-55 hours with a 4.0 average to raise my GPA +0.2 pts, right?

 

[Catalystik]

There's not much point to completing an SMP if you're going to be auto-screened out of consideration at a med school based on a low uGPA (3.0 being a common number used).

Maybe reconsider applying to non-Texas DO programs which use grade forgiveness if you retake the poorest grades. Unfortunately, TCOM uses the TMDSAS system and doesn't have the same policy (the only DO school that doesn't). You might figure out if you retook some classes at a local community college what you'd end up with. (Credit hours must be the same or greater).

 

[FatherofPhysics]

What about St. George's?

 

[gyngyn]

What about St. George's?

Getting in, or graduating and getting a residency from there?

 

[FatherofPhysics]

What would be my chances of getting in? EC' include football for 5 years, overcoming 3 injuries, Emergency room scribe, Pharmacy tech, and my grandfather was a physician

 

[gyngyn]

What would be my chances of getting in? EC' include football for 5 years, overcoming 3 injuries, Emergency room scribe, Pharmacy tech, and my grandfather was a physician

All you need is a pulse and a checkbook to get in. Getting out and getting a license...

 

[tmn]

You seem genuinely curious/naive so I will be very blunt: do not go Caribbean. My guess is that your best bet is to do DO grade replacement.

 

[FatherofPhysics]

So the Caribbean is really that bad?? I work with a few Physicians that went, and they seem to be doing quite well. I know this will probably take a year to get my GPA over 3.0, so I will just have to stay focused and kick my self in the a** for a having a good time in college 🙁